BURLINGTON, Vt.- The howard center, a Vermont recovery center, will discontinue providing pipes for drug use due to funding shortfalls, according to an declaration Tuesday.
The Howard Center offers mental health, substance use, and developmental services, and previously provided harm reduction supplies like clean needles and pipes for substances including methamphetamine and crack cocaine, alongside connections to recovery resources. The decision comes amid concerns from neighbors regarding public drug use and crime near the center’s Clarke Street location.
“We are absolutely concerned. We wish we had the funds to continue those services. We want people to stay safe. We want people to stay alive and to have as many resources as thay need to do that,” said Charlotte McCorkel, with the Howard Center.
While pipe distribution is expected to end later this month, the center confirmed continued funding for its needle exchange program.Overdose prevention services will remain available at the Burlington location.
Vermont state leaders have not yet commented on the funding reduction. The Howard Center serves individuals and communities throughout vermont.